This is my contribution to the Anthro Calendar 2010 (unfortunately there is no website yet). The theme is "unusual anthros" and I chose the okapi, inhabitant of the congolese rainforest in Africa They are simply gorgeous animals.

The background was a pain in the ass, especially the water ... and yes, the male okapi is drinking water out of his palm. ; P The clothing should be traditional congolese, as far as I can trust the only 3 ancient reference illustrations of congolese men and woman.

EDIT: Thank you so much for suggesting this piece as a DD! And thanks for featuring it! I really appreciate it! )

Daily Deviation

Given 2010-01-10

The Subtle Ones by ~Nimrais "describes the painting's content as beautiful as it looks like. Nimrais managed to interpret the very soft and calm Okapis and their habitat beautifully and naturally. The warm colours and soft light of the background seems to perfectly embosom the two subtle ones. This is without an exception one of the most beautiful paintings of anthropomorphic Okapis that I have seen. The artist's creations never cease to amaze me hence a visit to her gallery is definitely worth it!" (
Suggested by AlectorFencer and Featured by
Katmomma)

This is so cool looking! The detail anatomy, everything is very well done. I love clearness of it as well, your lines are thin elegant and well defined. It reminds me of something out of mythology or an old fable.

I find a lot of the anthro stuff on DA to be cheesy and/or creepy (the ones of stuff with animal heads trying to be sexy, eesh) but this is very nicely done. The creatures are a nice line between having human characteristics but still true to the okapi anatomy. The colors you chose are very nice and do evoke the sense of being in a warm forest.